Dave and I received very, very sad news on Tuesday. Toby Merz, the elder statesman of Scooter's B&B, has passed away due to a heart ailment. Toby had stayed with us as recently as Labor Day and we're so happy that we got the chance to enjoy his company before his sudden illness happened. We are devestated at his  loss and send our deep sympathy to Toby's family and his many, many friends who are mourning him.

Toby was a character! Like most of the dogs who we know and love, he definitely had his preferences. We quickly learned during his first visit with us a couple of years ago that he was no ordinary guest. Toby liked things to be his way and that meant he would just wait until we figured out what that was. For instance, he wouldn't potty where the other dogs went. At home Toby was told to go way out into the back area of his yard to do his business and he thought that was a good plan at our place, too. After a very stressful day and night of Toby not going to the bathroom, I finally allowed him to lead me to where he wanted to go instead of me telling him where to go. After that, we never had a problem again. He'd traipse out to the very front corner of our property and do his thing.

One of Toby's delights while staying at our place was his chance to get up close and personal with my chickens and bunny. I remember many times when he'd be outside with me and we'd have a game of "You Can't Catch Me" as I chased him around the chicken coop. He never wanted to come in when the chickens were out and he could get close enough to nose them through the fence. I knew he would never hurt any of them, though, even if he could have gotten closer.

Toby was also one of the four-legged kids who would not touch his food while staying with us unless Dave fixed it up with yogurt and warm chicken broth. He ate his food dry at home from what I understand, but while at Scooter's he knew "room service" would eventually come through for him!

We love you Toby and will miss you so much. Selfishly, we wish you could have stayed around through the holidays so we would have had one more chance to pamper and coddle you, as was your due. Your rest now is well deserved, Angel Dog.